One year ago we were in a very different place, one of uncertainty and fear. We knew that we didn't have the money to sustain full time ministry and that posed what seemed to be insurmountable challenges. How would we fill the pulpit, how would we care for our members and at the same time sustain our membership?

We got together and held caring, insightful and productive congregational discussions where people voiced their concerns and presented their ideas of how we could move forward: we pledged to walk together.

We pledged to walk together in the ways of truth and affection by forming the Caring CommUnity, a group of dedicated volunteers who take notes during joys and concerns and send cards to those of us who are going through a difficult time, who make meals or just lend an ear. They are there when we need them and those of us whom they have helped have been truly grateful.

We pledged to walk together in worship. The Worship Committee had the biggest challenge ahead of them. They added new members to the committee and began filling the pulpit every Sunday with meaningful worship services by both lay-led and guest ministers. They also sponsored an alternative Sunday Service. We started the first part of the service in the sanctuary and then we all went down to Parish Hall to make meals for members in need. Not only did this gathering make a significant contribution to our community, but I think all who were involved enjoyed the camaraderie.

This past year I have enjoyed so many of our services, particularly those that were lay-led; I took something meaningful away from each one that I attended.

We pledged to walk together in social action. We continued to do the good work that we have done in the past; the New Day holiday food and clothing drive and the Mother's Day concert. We also stepped up to coordinate efforts to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy and those affected by the Newtown tragedy. Unity was also involved in the School on Wheel's Outrunning Homelessness 5k Run. Over 20 people from Unity attended the Run and through our efforts, we were responsible for contributing over $1000 to the cause.

It was a year where we inducted Audrey Davies into the Clara Barton Society, completely revamped the Web site, and had a baby naming ceremony for the newest Tim family member. We also held a Winter Solstice Service and the kids did a great service on the golden rule. We kept moving forward by doing the simple things that mean so much more.

In a year that could have been tainted by inefficiency and disorganization we have shined. In a year when we all needed to step up we did. We have become closer as a congregation in our successful effort to survive.

How did we do that? We pledged to walk together and we did. The truth is that the structure and workings of a church are only as good as the church's volunteers and we have great volunteers. Normally at June Jubilee, we do volunteer recognition. We call out the name of everyone that has volunteered in the past year and most of the congregation gets a chance to stand up and be recognized.

This year, however, it is the whole congregation that is being recognized. I want to thank you if you served on a committee, greeted on a Sunday morning or hosted coffee hour. I want to thank you if you sang in the choir, played in the band or bell choir, or sang out from the pews. I want to thank you if you were a worship associate or led a service or just took a chance on us this year by coming to church. I want to thank you if you came to any or all of the many congregational meetings. I want to thank you if you taught Sunday school. In short, I want to thank all of you for stepping up at a time when it would have been much easier to walk away.

There are tokens of gratitude for everyone. For the kids, we have these really cool stickers and for the adults we have Unity Church key chains. These are only symbols of thanks but please believe that without the hard work and dedication of all of you, this successful year would not have been possible. We pledged to walk together and we did so with perseverance and we did so to the fullest of our ability. More importantly, we did so because we truly care for one another.

People were then asked to come up after service and take a sticker or a key chain and know that they are small in size but couldn't be bigger in meaning. June Jubilee is a time to pat ourselves on the back and look back at the year in review. I think this year we should celebrate the future; one that is bright and one that has been made bright by our commitment to walk down an uncertain path with the knowledge that together we could do anything.